Your North East Wedding - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 31)

DECORATIONS 59 WHERE CAN I WED IN A CASTLE? YNEW loves… Alnwick Castle (alnwickcastle.com) . More than 700 years of history lies within these walls – not to mention that it was featured in several Harry Potter films! Turn to page 23 to find out more. There are many stunning castles available throughout the North East to say “I do” in, with just a few key styling details needed to give off a fairytale vibe. “A castle wedding should be nothing short of magical,” says Michelle Baxter from Cullercoats’ MN Events (facebook.com/mneventsandoccasions) . “Some are pretty, romantic and sophisticated, while others take on a Medieval theme with rich colour tones. Your reception is usually set in a grand room wherein the stone walls need no decoration, but styling to the tables and chairs enhances the grandeur, along with some simple but effective lighting. “Start by speaking with your florist about the perfect floral arrangements, including roses, lavender and other traditional English florals – you can even incorporate feathers for a more prestigous look,” Michelle adds. “Candelabras are a classic choice of centrepiece with or without flowers, and the use of candles and fairylights is perfect for a magical ambiance. For a different touch, use light velvet tablecloths instead of plain, with more dramatic charger plates for greater place setting impact. Additional details, such as holding your table plan on an easel, are another way to add a luxurious touch.” THE HISTORIC CASTLE WEDDING facebook.com/mneventsandoccasions Barns are one of the most popular choices to marry in right now thanks to the trend for rustic, vintage-inspired celebrations. “A barn wedding is wonderfully versatile,” says Hollie Garrett from Newcastle’s Fleur Couture Floral Design & Event Styling (fleurcouturefloral.com) . “There are outdoorsy natural barns that look wonderful using the venue’s own organic containers, such as watering cans, huge milk churns, wheelbarrows, barrels and crates. Then there are the cosy, warm and almost grand-style barns, which lend themselves to elegant and classic designs. When decorating your barn wedding, make sure you reflect your own personalities, only choosing a stylist’s suggestions if you feel they fit best with who you are as a couple. Wilder, more delicate seasonal flowers and lots of foliage tend to be favourites for barn celebrations, as do mini crates or milk churns, milk jugs and large log stumps filled with blooms. Pastels and bold colours are dominant, as are lots of DIY touches like bunting and pallets, which is great as you get to keep the cost down! Try to choose a few key pieces that can be used later in the day, such as on the side of the top table or at the entrance to an onsite marquee. Having said that, I always think it’s important to have at least one floral wow factor – think a fabulous arch or an amazing top table or hanging installation.” THE BEAUTIFUL BARN WEDDING WHERE CAN I WED IN A BARN? YNEW loves… Healey Barn (crippsandco.com/healey-barn ). Set in the Northumberland countryside, turn to Claire and Liam’s wedding on page 34 to see more. helenrussellphotography.co.uk fleurcouturefloral.com a m y l o u p h o t o g r a p h y . c o . u k a l n w i c k c a s t l e . c o m